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    January 08, 2012

Nigeria Strike to Proceed Monday Despite Court Order

   Peter Clottey
   A protester carries a placard during a rally against fuel subsidy cuts
   in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, January 6, 2012.
   Photo: REUTERS
   A protester carries a placard during a rally against fuel subsidy cuts
   in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, January 6, 2012.

   The spokesman for the Nigeria Labor Congress says a general strike
   against rising fuel prices scheduled to begin today (Monday), will
   proceed. The move comes despite an industrial court order restraining
   the country's labor unions from striking.

   Owei Lakemfa says Nigerians have lost faith in the government after
   talks between the administration and main workers' unions failed.

   'There are going to be general protests and street rallies, and it will
   be indefinite,' said Lakemfa. 'We are protesting the government
   decision to increase to the price of petrol by between 120 and 220
   percent, which is unprecedented. It has already led to a lot of
   hardships. Food prices have increased and there is hyper-inflation, and
   these are the things we told the government will happen from the
   beginning.'

   Fuel prices doubled to about 88 cents a liter after the elimination of
   the fuel subsidy.

   The administration ended fuel subsidies January 1, which caused petrol
   prices to soar, sparking angry anti-government protests. Protestors say
   the government's use of force to control demonstrations has left at
   least one person dead and many others injured.

   Lakemfa said Nigerians are sharply opposed to the government's decision
   to remove a popular consumer fuel subsidy, which he says is a crushing
   economic blow to citizens.

   'Nigerians are coming out today to protest against government
   insensitivity and also its callousness in shooting protesters,' said
   Lakemfa.

   Officials of the government say President Goodluck Jonathan has
   established a committee to address citizens' concerns over rising fuel
   prices after the administration removed the subsidy.

   But, Lakemfa said the administration has yet to re-engage main union
   workers' groups to address their concerns.

   'We were in discussions with the government and actually the president
   led those discussions. He then asked us for another meeting, but before
   that meeting he aborted the discussion and then unilaterally increasing
   prices of petroleum products. So, it's government that aborted that
   discussion,' said Lakemfa. 'What we are saying is that let us continue
   [the] discussions and revert to the old prices.'

   The government has previously announced that the removal of the popular
   consumer fuel subsidy will begin April 1 this year, but took its
   decision January 1.

   In an interview with VOA, special adviser and spokesman for President
   Jonathan, Reuben Abati, said the Nigerian leader has not given up on
   implementing policies that will benefit citizens.

   Abati maintains the government's decision will be constructive to
   Nigerians. 'Although there may be initial pain, the long term gains for
   Nigerians generally, will be a lot more beneficial both to Nigerians
   and the national economy,' said Abati.

   The government says the end of the subsidy will save the government
   $6.2 billion this year.